Runcorn Linnets FC have announced their first confirmed pre-season match. The friendly is to be played at the Linnet's temporary home of Wincham Park, home of Witton Albion, and is against Rhyl on Saturday 5th August with a 3:00pm kick-off. This is just one week prior to the start of the season on the 12th August, with the fixtures due to be confirmed by the Moore & Co. Construction Solicitors League this Friday.

Runcorn Linnets had a presence at the Duck Chase at Runcorn Park Lake on Sunday, giving out leaflets and signing up new Trust members, and will be out in the community again this weekend. Street collections to raise funds and awareness will take place around the Church Street area of Runcorn Old Town on Saturday from around 10:30 onwards, so pop down and say hello.

Unfortunately, the deal that would have seen Robbie Holcroft at the club as player coach has fallen through, and he's returning to UniBond football with his old club, Skelmersdale Utd. However, Steve Carragher is confident he'll find a worthy replacement, possibly among the dozen trialists from last weeks trials that he has invited to pre-season training sessions.

Runcorn Linnets FC held their first trials on Thursday 29th June to try and get some local talent on the books in preparation for their inaugural season in the Moore & Co. Construction Solicitors North West Counties league.

The trials which, due to the number of applicants, had the registration period cut short by almost a week, saw almost 60 trialists at Haddocks Wood attempting to impress Manager Steve Carragher. In addition to the registered trialists, there were around 20 players who had simply turned up, hoping for an opportunity to get a trial, and a similar number of interested onlookers.

Steve Carragher said "I thought the trials went well, I know the pitches weren't the best but all the lads performed well and I'd like to thank them all for attending. The interest was overwhelming, far greater than I expected. A number of lads caught my eye and I'll be in contact over the next few days to invite them down for pre-season training".

Carragher will be looking to add to his squad which already includes names that will be familiar to those who followed Runcorn FC Halton last season; Robbie Holcroft, Mark Phillips, Andy McCoy, Thomas Lamb, and Lee Siadankay.

Runcorn Linnets FC are looking forward to the start of the season in the Moore & Co. Construction Solicitors League. It is hoped that the Trials on Thursday 29th June will provide a number of new players to join the squad that Manager, Steve Carragher, is building.

Fans will be pleased that they will recognise a number of players from Runcorn FC Halton who have confirmed their allegiance to the new club. Robbie Holcroft, who took last seasons Player of the Year award, with stay on as goalkeeper and have responsibility as team coach. Mark Phillips will take on the role of Assistant Manager, in addition to his role in defence. Other familiar names that have joined the club are strikers Andy McCoy and Thomas Lamb, plus defender Lee Siadankay.

Having only been formed for a matter of weeks, pre-season friendlies are having to be arranged at the last minute, but there are a number of possibilities in the pipeline, including Witton Albion FC and Salford City FC. Watch this space for confirmed dates!

Runcorn Linnets FC are happy to announce that at the AGM of the Moore & Co. Construction Solicitors League on 17th June, their application to join the league was accepted by the league members.

Confirmation of the place in the league will be upon ratification by the FA, but it is hoped that this should not prove to be a problem.

Press Officer, Steve Pritchard, said "This is great news. Everything is coming together for next season. Assuming there are no problems with the FA ratifying our application, we have a place in a league, a ground to play at, a manager, and increasing interest in our club. We hope we can maintain and increase this interest, and turn it into support on the terraces when the season comes.

He continues "Steve Carragher is working hard to bring players to the club, and we have open trials taking place on the 29th June, at Haddocks Wood, at 6:30pm which will hopefully provide some local talent to join the squad."

Off the pitch, the next focus is to be securing the funding needed for next season. People have been very generous so far, and there are still opportunities for individuals to make donations, or join the I-Syndicates Lottery. Anybody who contributes prior to the start of the season will feature on the 'Roll of Honour' which commemorates those people who have helped the club during its formative period.

The club is now seeking support from local businesses, including sponsorship packages that include, Programme Sponsor, Match Sponsor and Ball Boy Sponsor. The club is also looking to provide advertising opportunities in club programmes, at the Wincham Park ground, and on its website. There are other ways that businesses can get involved and support the club, including a Corporate Season Ticket which provides entry for four, and includes use of the Sponsors lounge, and refreshments.

Once the season is underway, attention will turn to establishing a focus group to bring the club back to Runcorn as quickly as possible.

For more information, please visit the club website on http://www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk